Neymar admits to 'brat' behaviour as he reflects on World Cup campaign in TV advert

Neymar on the ground was a familiar sight during the World Cup. Reuters

Neymar has used a television advert to attempt to tackle critics who derided his play-acting at the World Cup, admitting he "overreacts" and blaming his "brat" like behaviour on his inner child.

The Brazilian superstar was widely lambasted in Russia for his theatrical reactions to challenges which often left the world's most expensive footballer wincing and rolling on the ground.

But in an advert released this week, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has claimed it has been due to past fouls and mistreatment from other players that helped contribute to his behaviour.

"Boot studs on the shins, kick in the spine, stomp on the foot, you may think I overreact, and sometimes I do, but for real? I suffer on the pitch, but you have no idea what I go through outside of it," he said in comments on a television commercial for a razor blade.